Monbetsu Roadside Station (紋別道の駅) formally called Roadside Rest Area "Okhotsk-Monbetsu” (道の駅 オホーツク紋別) is one of the roadside stations spread all throughout Hokkaido. It is located at 11-6 Motomonbetsu in Monbetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Monbetsu Roadside Station |
Monbetsu Roadside Station Details
Located in the Gariya Zone of Monbetsu, Hokkaido, the Monbetsu Roadside Station, officially registered on April 11, 1995, offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience in the scenic and marine-rich region overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk.
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| Monbetsu Roadside Station - Monbetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Known for its immersive "drift ice" experiences, Monbetsu Roadside Station is the perfect destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty and chilly wonders of the Okhotsk Sea.
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| Roadside Rest Area "Okhotsk-Monbetsu” facade |
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| Carillon Square |
Explore the Drift Ice Science Center
The highlight of Monbetsu Roadside Station is the Drift Ice Science Center, the main facility where visitors can engage in thrilling, educational experiences. Here, you can touch real drift ice in the Severe Cold Experience Room, where temperatures drop to a bone-chilling minus 20°C, even during summer. This unique feature allows visitors to feel the intense cold of the Sea of Okhotsk’s drift ice, which flows into the region each year, typically around late January.
The Drift Ice Science Center also showcases large-scale videos and exhibits highlighting the majestic nature of the Okhotsk Sea, providing visitors with an in-depth understanding of the region's ice-filled environment.
Inside Monbetsu Roadside Station
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| Welcome to Monbetsu Roadside Station |
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| Entrance Hall |
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| Welcome to Monbetsu Roadside Station |
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| Entrance to the Exhibition Hall |
New Attractions in the Surrounding Area
Monbetsu Roadside Station is not just about experiencing the cold; it also features several exciting new attractions. The Okhotsk Tower, a must-visit nearby landmark, lets you view drift ice and marine life from about 7.5 meters below the seabed. Additionally, there’s an artificial beach, a drift ice park, and the Okhotsk Health Pool "Stair", a health and wellness facility with a sauna, water slide, and training room.
Monbetsu Roadside Station Stamps
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| Monbetsu Roadside Station Stamp |
Monbetsu Roadside Station Facilities
• Entrance Hall: The entrance is beautifully decorated with reliefs inspired by drift ice and the Sea of Okhotsk. Visitors are greeted by dolls dressed in national costumes, offering a glimpse into the climate and customs of the cities along the 45th parallel.
• Exhibition Room: This interactive exhibition showcases how drift ice is formed, with educational panels, videos, and a model of the Garinko icebreaker. Visitors can also view a captivating aquarium filled with floating sea angels, giving a true sense of the region’s unique marine life.
• Souvenir Shop - Okhotsk Village, Hokkaido: Located near the entrance, this shop offers local specialties, souvenirs, and character goods. From magnets to Gachapin Rally items, visitors can pick up a keepsake to remember their time in Monbetsu.
• Severe Cold Experience Room: Don’t miss the chance to experience temperatures as low as minus 20°C in this special room, where you can feel the freeze of drift ice, even during the warmer months. Winter clothing is provided for an authentic, immersive experience.
Team Nicerio visits Monbetsu Roadside Station
My family and I visited Monbetsu Roadside Station for the first time on May 28, 2023. It marked my 573rd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. As part of our Hokkaido 179 travel goal, we made sure to include the roadside station in our itinerary. My daughter and I got the roadside station stamp for our stamp collection and also for the Hokkaido Roadside Station Stamp Rally. We arrived in the afternoon, so we weren’t able to fully explore the roadside station. Regardless, we were able to get the roadside station stamp and also take a photo of the displays in the Entrance Hall. We will surely include this place when we revisit Monbetsu City in the future.
Monbetsu Roadside Station Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore Monbetsu Roadside Station grounds. However, you need to pay an entrance fee to enter the Hokkaido Prefectural Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center GIZA
Adults: 750 yen adults
High School and University Students: 150 yen
Junior High School and younger: FREE
Senior Citizens (65 and older): FREE
Monbetsu Roadside Station Operating Hours
Monbetsu Roadside Station and the Hokkaido Prefectural Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center GIZA both operated from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Why Visit Monbetsu Roadside Station?
Monbetsu Roadside Station is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Hokkaido, especially those fascinated by the Arctic. With its focus on drift ice, the Sea of Okhotsk, and hands-on educational experiences, this unique roadside station offers something for every visitor—whether you're an adventurer, nature lover, or family on vacation. Aside from that, if you collect roadside station stamps, this place is a must-visit.
Getting to Monbetsu Roadside Station
The best way to reach Monbetsu Roadside Station is by private or rental car. However, if you plan to commute, here’s a convenient route:
From Asahikawa Station, take the Okhotsk-Taisetsu 1 Limited Express Abashiri train operated by the Hokkaido Railway Company and get off at Engaru Station. From there, head to the Engaru bus stop and transfer to the Yubetsu/Monbetsu Line Monbetsu (via Yubetsu) bus operated by the Kitami Bus Company. Disembark at the Oho-Tsukutawa-Iriguchi bus stop, then walk approximately 750 meters to reach the Monbetsu Roadside Station.
Travel time: 4 hours and 17 minutes
Fare: 6470 yen
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